Last month I wrote a blog about a new tool to encourage discussion between patients and physicians about financial stress. I would like to follow up this week with a few resources to help with coping with the high costs of cancer:

The SAMFund for Young Adults: The SAMFund is one of our favorite organizations, founded by a young adult cancer survivor, Sam. Young adult cancer survivors can apply for a grant that covers a wide range of treatment or post treatment medical or everyday bills. Follow the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #cancerisntfree.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: The LLS provides copay and insurance-related financial assistance to blood cancer survivors. Visit their page to learn details, determine if you’re eligible and to apply for assistance.

Hope For Young Adults With Cancer: The “Giving Hope Fund” provides young adult survivors ages 18 to 40 who are currently in treatment or who've been in remission for up to five years with the financial resources they need to offset the everyday costs of cancer.  Act quick, the deadline for applications is June 30!

My Hometown Heroes: Parallel to the rising costs of cancer treatment is the cost of college and the burdens of student debt. My Hometown Heroes is a young adult cancer organization that is accepting applications for college scholarships through July 15.

Caporal Assistance Network: Many young adults have the opportunity to preserve fertility, but the costs can be overwhelming. The Carporal Assistance Network provides financial assistance to young adults ages 18-40 who are pursuing fertility treatment.

CancerCare: Some cancer patients can receive financial assistance year-round, based on monetary availability. Check CancerCare’s website to determine if resources are available.  

More financial resources can be found in our resource database here. You can also find more information on legal & financial issues after diagnosis here.